ENCOUNTER

This weekend I had an encounter with my Lord and Savior. It was an amazing and completely singular experience. I was, again, shown another reason as to why I am so, so grateful to have been led to this church. I thought, I have to write about this experience... but as I'm here at the computer I don't even know how to explain what I just went through. All I can say is that I feel like EVERYONE I know should go on an Encounter.

In between sessions, this weekend, I found myself journaling. Just writing my thoughts and feelings as things progressed. Due to the amount of them and their lengths, I will not share them all, but I want to share some of the things I "jotted" down during my encounter, maybe it will give you an idea of the revelation and freedom I experienced:

"... the realness of this moment is filled with holiness and love."

"It's no wonder my marriage has not been blessed - I have not shown it honor or sanctity."

"I am a shell of who I was. Who am I? I have no identity, other than that of Christ's child. He is my father and I his daughter. All other parts of who I am are a distortion of that truth."

"... I pray you will direct me, love me, and continue breaking me and making me into your new creation."

"I didn't know what to expect for this weekend. I was expecting to have an encounter with my Heavenly Father - but I did not expect this. I had no idea the unforgiveness I had in my heart. I had no idea the shame I had buried deep inside, from things I've said and done in the past. I thought I had let go of these things - I thought I had forgiven my trespasses as well as myself a long time ago... but come to find out I had only locked them away and forgot where I'd put them. This encounter has unlocked that chest of ugliness and sin, and in doing so I've been ripped apart. It has become quite apparent that I am completely inadequate in being in charge of my own life. I thank you, Jesus, for breaking me apart today, that I can genuinely see that without you I cam truly a cursed nothing with the inability to care for myself. Thank you for your degradation on the cross. For your selfless love. what can I do but praise you? Thank you? I dedicate my life to you and your will - for without you I'd be dead!"

Encounter

I'm being broken in pieces
And ripped to shreds
My identity is gone
The old me is dead
"You're making me new"
I thought as I cried
You're making me new
I can feel it inside

It is through Jesus and his Holy Spirit that I have been changed forever... praise His holy name!